Island SPACE Museum Hosts Festive Celebration of Caribbean Culinary Traditions, Supports Hurricane Relief Efforts
Plantation, FL – The rich tapestry of Caribbean holiday traditions will be on full display as the Island SPACE Caribbean Museum presents its Fourth Annual Rum Cake and Caribbean Black Cake Fest. This highly anticipated event is scheduled for Sunday, November 16, 2025, at the Volunteer Park Community Center in Plantation, Florida, promising a flavorful journey into the heart of island culture.
A Culinary Deep Dive into Caribbean Heritage
At the core of this celebration are two iconic desserts: rum cake and Caribbean black cake. These are not merely sweet treats but deeply symbolic centerpieces of holiday festivities and significant life events, such as weddings, across the English-speaking Caribbean. The festival offers attendees the chance to savor a wide array of authentic rum cakes and the beloved black cake—a dense, dark, and richly spiced fruitcake. These cakes have a storied history, evolving from British plum puddings brought by colonizers. Over centuries, Caribbean communities transformed these traditions, incorporating local ingredients like sugarcane-derived rum and a complex blend of spices such as nutmeg, cinnamon, and clove. The distinctive dark hue of black cake often comes from ‘browning,’ a caramelized sugar mixture, adding depth to its flavor and appearance. Each island boasts its own unique variations, making the festival a true exploration of this shared culinary heritage.
Introducing the Exclusive “Rum Room”
This year’s festival introduces an exciting new attraction: the “Rum Room.” This exclusive, 21-and-over experience is available only to those with pre-sold tickets. Guests will have the opportunity to participate in guided tastings and demonstrations, delving into the world of Caribbean rums and liqueurs. The “Rum Room” aims to provide an immersive understanding of the spirits that are integral to the region’s culture and baking traditions, potentially featuring unique offerings like the Saint Sauveur 1972 Haitian rum.
More Than Cake: Community, Culture, and Compassion
Beyond the delectable tastings, the Rum Cake and Caribbean Black Cake Fest serves as a vital gathering point for the South Florida Caribbean diaspora and the wider community, fostering connection and shared cultural experiences. This year’s event carries an added layer of significance as it actively contributes to hurricane recovery efforts in the Caribbean. A portion of the festival’s proceeds will be dedicated to aiding islands impacted by recent devastating storms, including Hurricane Melissa, which caused extensive damage and loss of life across the region. Attendees are strongly encouraged to bring new, packaged relief items, such as canned goods, bottled water, diapers, and personal hygiene products, to be distributed to trusted organizations coordinating recovery operations. This initiative underscores the community’s commitment to solidarity and support for affected islands.
The festival’s atmosphere will be further enlivened by traditional Caribbean performances, holiday music, and a selection of holiday beverages available for sampling and purchase. A new Caribbean food court and mocktail bar will also offer additional culinary delights, ensuring a comprehensive cultural immersion. Bakers representing a diverse range of Caribbean nations, including Antigua & Barbuda, Barbados, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Grenada, Haiti, Jamaica, and Trinidad & Tobago, will be in attendance, showcasing the breadth of island influences.
Event Details and Tickets
The Fourth Annual Rum Cake and Caribbean Black Cake Fest will take place on Sunday, November 16, 2025, from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Volunteer Park Community Center, located at 12050 West Sunrise Boulevard in Plantation, FL 33323. Tickets are available starting at $20 for early bird specials, with pre-sold general admission priced at $25 and $30 at the door. Premium “Rum Room” tickets are exclusively $60 and must be purchased in advance. For ticket purchases and more information, visit islandspacefl.org/cakefest25.
The Island SPACE Caribbean Museum, a nonprofit organization founded in 2019, is dedicated to preserving and celebrating the history, culture, and contributions of Caribbean people. This event not only offers a delightful culinary experience but also serves as a testament to the resilience and vibrancy of Caribbean culture and community spirit, particularly in times of need.